[graciegirl]

From this morning's Daily Sun...

A Villages couple reported a burglary and the theft of more than $4000 in jewelry and cash Monday afternoon, according to Marion County Sheriffs records.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., according to the incident report, deputies responded to a home on 8300 block of SE 177 Bartram Loop in The Villages.

There, a couple told deputies that they left the home unsecured at about 10:35 a.m. and returned at at about 2:20 p.m. and found their doors locked, the report stated. Inside, the couple noticed their dining room window partially open and the screen missing and called 911.

According to the incident report, deputies noted that an unidentified suspect had attempted to force open a dead bolted lanai door and was unable to gain entry, and then found that the dining room window was unlocked and pried off the screen.

According to the report, a lieutenant who later arrived at the home discovered a foot print next to the fence that separates the home's property with a neighboring farm's driveway, as welll as tire tracks that appeared to have made a U-turn heading back in the direction of County Line Road.

Deputies believe the suspect moved to the master bedroom and targeted the homeowner's jewelry boxes taking pieces valued at $4,300, searched an office and stole an envelope with $200 in cash and a video camera valued at $200 in the office closet, the report said.

According to the report, officials found it unusual that the suspect did not steal other electronics in the home.

Investigation in the case is ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Marion County sheriff's office at 732.9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368.7867

[graciegirl]

This area is close, across Buena Vista, from the other burglary reported on Friday.

[Figmo Bohica]

Why would anyone leave their home unsecured? That is just asking for problems. I think that to many people are starting to believe that this is the "Friendliest Home Town" in Florida. Bad people also read this and then look for those that don't take simple precautions of securing their home and property. More and more of this type of crime might be on the rise as more and more people get deeper in debt and can not provide for their family or take care of their drug habit. It won't be long before one of these home invasions will happen while the home owner is there and then we could be reading about a real serious crime.

Folks, lock your doors and windows.

[Tom Hannon]

Originally Posted by Figmo Bohica

I think that to many people are starting to believe that this is the "Friendliest Home Town" in Florida. Bad people also read this and then look for those that don't take simple precautions of securing their home and property. It won't be long before one of these home invasions will happen while the home owner is there and then we could be reading about a real serious crime.

Folks, lock your doors and windows.

I also see how TOTV's openly discuss whether or not they have alarm systems or where they keep their valuables hidden. We all are guilty of making in known that we are away for a while. When we snowbird. When we visit/ or vacation. Beware all. You don't have to be a Village property owner to access this web page. The electronic age makes it very easy for the wrong people to know about you. Everyone- don't be so open about your secutity or lack of it.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

I also see how TOTV's openly discuss whether or not they have alarm systems or where they keep their valuables hidden. We all are guilty of making in known that we are away for a while. When we snowbird. When we visit/ or vacation. Beware all. You don't have to be a Village property owner to access this web page. The electronic age makes it very easy for the wrong people to know about you. Everyone- don't be so open about your secutity or lack of it.

Tom,

You are right of course, but these two events, to me, have NOTHING to do with anyone knowing if we are presently occupying a home...or whether it has a security system.

There ARE similarities that are intriging. Within a VERY close area in Marion County. Jewelry the target in both. During the daylight when the owners are away for a few hours. Unlocked, then left locked.

I betcha this is gonna be solved...soon.

Gracie who has nothing valuable except Sweetie and Helene.

[buggyone]

I would place my bets on either young relatives visiting grandparents up in that area or someone disguised as a worker (telephone repairer, plumber, etc) who is scoping out houses while sitting nearby in an official looking truck. Waits for someone to leave the house, tries the doorbell to make sure no one else is at home and then breaks in for a quick in and out.

I would hope the Marion County sheriff office is checking the pawnshops in Ocala, Summerfield, and area for pawned jewelry.

[downeaster]

It is possible the burglar(s) had prior knowledge of expensive jewelry in the homes.

[angiefox10]

Gracie,

What are you thinking??? You point out some interesting facts.

Oh... and in case any one is interested... I buy ALL my jewelry at K-mart!!!!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

I also see how TOTV's openly discuss whether or not they have alarm systems or where they keep their valuables hidden. We all are guilty of making in known that we are away for a while.

Tom, you are absolutely right. We grow careless on TOTV, thinking we are speaking to just a few friends.

I'd just like all burglars to know that when we're not in residence, I have no jewellery at all, and no hidden valuables! And when we are in residence, I still have no jewellery, and a huge, growly, mean dog. Well, I'm lying about the mean dog, but not about the lack of valuables.

[angiefox10]

I'm bothered by the "tagging" where you are by mobile phone on FB.

And to say that people you know wouldn't rob you... many identity thefts and home invasions are done by people you know.

[angiefox10]

I have dogs!!! KILLER dogs!!!!

[Trish Crocker]

Are the gates the only way to get into the various villages? If so, is it possible to have cameras posted at the entrances with signs stating so? It's not a solution but could be a deterrent.

[Pturner]

One time we had an unknown truck pull out of, and then back into our home. It was BIL. Pulled back in to get something forgotten. Neighbors did not recognize the truck or him and his wife, thought it looked suspicious and called the sheriff's office. Neighbor even gave the deputy the license number. BIL got a call from officer after the license number was traced to his truck. We were called as well, and an officer came out to the house to investigate.

The moral of the story is we can all do our part by watching out for our neighbors. Were we angry that we had nosy neighbors inTV? Shoot no. We were grateful. Don't be afraid to report something that looks suspicious. Even if it turns out to be innocent. Next time it might not be.

Let's all try to be aware of vehicle and foot traffic in the neighborhood.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Trish Crocker

Are the gates the only way to get into the various villages? If so, is it possible to have cameras posted at the entrances with signs stating so? It's not a solution but could be a deterrent.

See fourth order of businees in minutes of ACC meeting.
http://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/P...20111109aa0301

[Trish Crocker]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

See fourth order of businees in minutes of ACC meeting.
http://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/P...20111109aa0301

Thanks Bogie!! Guess it wasn't a dumb question after all .